Yelp Miami Pours It On

Another Elite event. Another rainstorm. But this time, the intrepid (and well-dressed) members of the Elite Squad were given a swanky Brickell address (and covered, valet parking) to woo them into an afternoon of wine, food and merriment. Steakhouse staple, The Capital Grille, hosted an intimate amount of Elites to Yelp’s Generous Pour.

The professionals at The Capital Grille take truth in advertising very seriously. So, when they mention the word ‘generous,’ they mean it. They really mean it. Set in the magnificent — and newly renovated — main dining room, Elites, with glasses in hand, went from table to table to enjoy a wine experience like none other. Rare wines. Wines available only at The Capital Grille. Wines from around the world. Whichever kind of wine tipped ones glass, it was freely served, methodically explained and generously poured. With a line up like Simcic Rebula from Goriska Brda in Slovenia; Gary Farrell Chardonnay from Carneros in the Sonoma Valley; Conn Creek Anthology Cabernet from the Napa Valley; Ferrari-Carano Mountain Reserve Cabernet from the Alexander Valley; Chateau du Pin Bordeaux Blend from France; Falesco Assisi Rosso from the Umbria region of Italy; Villa Mt. Eden Grand Reserve Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley; and Kanu Kia Ora Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch in South Africa there was no way to go wrong.

Lest one think that wine was the only star of the afternoon, The Capital Grille’s kitchen proved that to fully enjoy wine, it must be paired with the absolute right bites. So, with every tip, swirl and sip came culinary craftsmanship in the form of Smoked Chicken Crostini with White Bean and Crisp Shitake; Miniature Tenderloin Sandwiches with Wild Mushrooms and Boursin Cheese; Grilled Summer Vegetables; Artisanal Cheeses; Porcini Bisque; Tuna Tartare; Miniature Creme Brulee; and Flourless Chocolate Espresso Tartlets. Overwhelmed Elites were surrounded in a sea of gastronomic greatness!

As guests were welcomed to the afternoon fete with a glass of sparkling rose and an addictive crab cake, there was little doubt that this would be an event for the ages. Even beyond the wine and food, the sincere and bar-raising service of the day was the true takeaway. Two Elites — Jan N and Sabrina Anna C — felt extra special because they won a return trip dinner for two from the restaurant. For the entirety of the event, Elites were treated like welcomed guests and old friends by server, chef and manager alike. This feeling carried over until the very end when attendees left with gift bags that included custom wine stoppers. Ace photog Alex H took the shots you can find here and excited Elites wrote their reviews here. From start to finish, it was obvious that while there may be no place like home, there’s also no pour like The Capital Grille’s.

Cheers,

Johnny T